bonfire_babe This is such a great comedy series as it's so true to life. The comedy doesn't smack you in the face, it comes from the situations and comments made and is almost and in-joke with people who know ladies like those the the series or just know the WI or other ladies clubs.The cast of brilliant female British comediennes and actresses is unrivalled by any other series. You almost feel cheated by the short screen time some of the ladies have however it works so well which each lady performing so well. The rich diversity of characters keeps the stories so rich and varied and there's so much going on just like a real village would be.This is a great series but I'm surprised it works outside of the UK as they are playing on such British stereotypes and cultural traditions, even the title referring to the belief that all the WI does is make jam and sing Jerusalem.

R K I agree with other posters that it did start a bit slow. But by the second episode I was hooked, and felt like I had discovered a rare treasure of a show! It has funny moments, but I wouldn't consider it s comedy. Not a traditional comedy, I mean. But there is a subtle, enjoyable humor in the show. You have to play close attention to the dialog/banter to catch many of the jokes.It's NOT hit-you-over-the-head, "laughtrack-style" comedy. So if that's what you're looking for, you will not find it here.Also some very warm moments, but not that it gets all mushy, sticky too-sweet either.Watch it for charming comedy moments, ironic story lines, really unique and relate-to-able characters (I especially like Tash-- I feel like my life is like hers in many ways-- well, she is a more extreme version of me, I guess you could say).Enjoyable, amusing, makes me smile as I watch. A neat view of village life and human nature.

Mark Gregory (starlightdata) As an ex-inhabitant of a north Dorset hilltop village I can testify that this series accurately depicts a cross section of rural English village life for the late to middle aged. It is an extremely subtly and cleverly written piece that can be watched over and over again. The cast parody easily recognisable village characters in every day situations. But it doesn't end there, it's both gently cruel and very funny. Look out for what they've done to Joanna Lumley, Jennifer Saunder's explanation of dogging, where one may hide cheese, how to deal with grief, what to do with a yurt, how to beat the bounds and finding novel ways to dispose of a corpse. This is a series that will be joining my collection.

lee-412 Yea, blah, blah, blah - Bleat. Not going to mention the AF words here. Jennifer Saunders has created a credible, well constructed drama/comedy or perhaps black comedy. The cast is superb and special mention must go to Pauline McLynne and Sue Johnson. It's more like high quality soap than a comedy series. The drama is high and the laughs are low, subtle and of quality. To begin with, at first Dawn French is redundant and out of place, thankfully her character comes into her own in time throughout the series and becomes something more detailed and complex. Jennifer herself takes a backseat (thankfully) as her inclusion as a character is nothing more than Jen getting in on the act with the odd (very out of place quip)her character is most definitely based on a character from the 6th and last series of French & Saunders where she plays Chris Martin's mum. The character doesn't work and is redundant to the series, still she does manage to provide the odd laugh (Kasabian having broken her dishwasher is a real howler!) The point is that the series has a lot to offer and is of great quality. All of the characters have their own unique identity and the viewer is drawn in to the the actions and lives of the people. Hopefully in series two, Jennifer won't appear and do herself and the series a favour. Sadly the writer is brilliant but her character is superfluous and distracting to an otherwise worthy piece of work.